CHAPTER 100: A MERE WEN NUAN

What she lacked now was simply an opportunity.

Cai Xiaojing didn’t want to stoop to Linda’s level. Just because you have Han Bi, do you really need to be so arrogant?

Han Bi didn’t directly clash with Wen Nuan. In fact, Han Bi seemed to disregard Wen Nuan’s presence. She told Director Zhang that it had been a long time since she watched him film, and since she had time today, she wanted to observe him shooting on set, reminiscing about the film sets from years ago.

Director Zhang had no objections; he even clapped his hands and announced loudly, "If you have any questions you want to ask, hurry up and ask them. This is a rare opportunity."

Everyone agreed in unison.

Han Bi chatted amiably with Cheng Ying and Peng Yuming. They didn’t discuss the script but talked about events from the past few years. Then, Han Bi expressed great interest in the current drama, and Cheng Ying continued to discuss it with her.

As they talked, Cheng Ying mentioned Wen Nuan: "This drama is definitely going to be a hit. It might even overshadow ’Princess Qinglian’ from ten years ago. The casting for this production was absolutely perfect, especially Wen Nuan. She’s truly a promising talent, just like you were back then, she’s captivating."

Linda curled her lip. "A mere Wen Nuan? How dare she compare herself to Han Bi? She’s not even fit to carry Han Bi’s shoes."

Han Bi, however, showed no displeasure. She smiled and said, "I’ve heard of Wen Nuan. Lily said everyone calls her ’Little Han Bi’."

Her tone was casual, like an ordinary conversation. Cheng Ying and Peng Yuming didn’t think much of it either. Peng Yuming said, "Yes, everyone calls her Little Han Bi. However, Wen Nuan’s acting style is quite different from yours. She might have a fleeting resemblance occasionally, but in fact, she’s not like you at all."

Peng Yuming’s words clearly favored Wen Nuan, and Han Bi heard it. Linda, standing by, asked with a laugh, "How does she compare to the old Han Bi?"

Peng Yuming glanced at Han Bi and chuckled. "That’s a tough question."

Other young actors stood by, listening to their conversation, admiring Han Bi. Zhuo Bingbing, Wen Nuan, and Chen Hang were preparing for a wirework scene and weren’t there. Linda insisted that Peng Yuming give an evaluation.

Peng Yuming was famously straightforward in the industry. He knew Linda’s competitive intentions, but from an objective standpoint, Peng Yuming said, "Of course, Wen Nuan can’t be compared to the current Han Bi, but if you compare her to Han Bi when she first debuted, Han Bi was far inferior. Her performance has a grand style, rich in emotion; she’s the most spirited actress I’ve ever seen."

Han Bi’s smile stiffened slightly. Linda was annoyed. Peng Yuming paused, then laughed again. "Actually, it’s not a fair comparison. Wen Nuan is formally trained and is Cheng Yu’s last disciple. Cheng Yu is hailed as the most spirited artist in the entire history of cinema; her achievements are unparalleled by any artist. Wen Nuan has inherited her true essence. Han Bi wasn’t formally trained when she debuted; she only attended Anning’s acting workshop. To have achieved what she did is already remarkable."

Peng Yuming’s words were very skillful. If one were to study the history of domestic film and television, Cheng Yu’s name was inescapable. She had left an indelible mark on cinematic history, and even Han Bi could not compare to that artist.

Wen Nuan was Cheng Yu’s student, her only disciple. Cheng Yu valued Wen Nuan’s spirit and talent, recognizing her immense potential.

However, he also praised Han Bi from another perspective: not being formally trained yet achieving such success was absolutely the result of Han Bi’s own hard work.

Han Bi felt extremely uncomfortable inwardly, but she didn’t show it on her face.

In her opinion, Wen Nuan had no right to compare herself to her. Peng Yuming had even said Wen Nuan was better than her. She was furious inside, but on the surface, she continued to chat and laugh with Cheng Ying and Peng Yuming.

Chen Xue Ru and others also praised Wen Nuan, showering her with compliments.

Han Bi looked at Wen Nuan, who was discussing the script with Director Zhang, and a cold smile played on her lips. She subtly glanced at Linda, who understood.

Her main reason for coming to the ’Princess Qinglian’ set today was to see what kind of talent Wen Nuan truly possessed.

She had specifically come today, and visiting old friends was merely a secondary purpose. When she arrived, she had heard her friends talk about Wen Nuan, all saying she was very spirited. Lin Ning praised her effusively.

She was unconvinced. Historically, Lin Ning had only ever praised Cheng Yu. She had never heard Lin Ning praise anyone else.

So she came to the set to see for herself how capable Wen Nuan truly was.

This was one of her purposes, and there was another...

She smiled coldly, chatting with Cheng Ying while looking towards the performance area where the wirework was being set up.

This promised to be a good show.

Linda happened to have some connections with the martial arts instructors. Han Bi pursed her lips, smiling without speaking.

Cai Xiaojing saw that Han Bi wasn’t causing trouble for Wen Nuan and assumed she was just there to watch Wen Nuan’s performance. After all, Wen Nuan debuted under the name "Little Han Bi," and her first manager was Han Bi herself, which created a lot of buzz.

Wen Nuan was also her love rival, so coming to assess her rival’s capabilities was perfectly normal.

As long as she didn’t cause trouble for Wen Nuan, Cai Xiaojing could pretend she knew nothing.

The rumors today were particularly strong. Someone impudently asked Han Bi if things were getting serious between her and Young Master Ye, and if they were truly dating.

Han Bi laughed it off, "Are you an actress or a paparazzo?"

Her answer was skillful; she neither confirmed nor denied, but her blushing face subtly steered them towards an affirmative conclusion.

Cai Xiaojing couldn’t be bothered to watch Han Bi’s act. She lowered her head to arrange Wen Nuan’s upcoming schedule. Filming for ’Princess Qinglian’ was almost halfway done, so it was time to start promotions: appearing on shows, television stations, shooting posters, attending events, and advertising. The upcoming schedule would be even more intense.

---

Meanwhile, Wen Nuan was feeling anxious about her first wirework scene.

Before, when she watched martial arts dramas, seeing the White-Haired Witch float from a distance in her yellow gown, her robes billowing, looking like a celestial being, she thought it was beautiful. But now that it was her turn, she felt a bit scared.

It wasn’t that she had a fear of heights, but it was her first time flying around like this, and it just felt a little unsafe.

Especially with her first wirework scene being flown amidst stone pillars; if something went wrong and she ended up with a broken head and bleeding, it wouldn’t be good.

Director Zhang tapped her head with a rolled script. "The martial arts instructor this time is very experienced, so don’t worry, you won’t fall. Where has your usual courage gone, girl?"

Chen Hang patted his chest loyally. "Your Royal Highness, rest assured, your humble servant will protect you."

Everyone laughed. Zhuo Bingbing also said, "Wirework is nothing to be afraid of. My first time was exhilarating; floating in white robes is beautiful. If you’re scared, you can use a stunt double."

Actually, Wen Nuan didn’t have a stunt double, but if she were truly afraid, there would be no problem finding one for the scene.

Wen Nuan decisively shook her head. "I don’t want a stunt double. I want to do it myself."

Director Zhang nodded, patting her head. "Good girl, that’s more like it."

Wen Nuan smiled. Although it was her first time doing wirework and she felt unsure, she wanted to personally complete this dangerous stunt. She didn’t want to rely on others; otherwise, she wouldn’t feel a sense of accomplishment.

She found it very interesting watching others float around, and perhaps she would enjoy it too.

The martial arts director pulled them aside and demonstrated the moves. They were shooting a wirework scene today. The martial arts director had taught them the moves during their lunch break yesterday, scene by scene.

Wen Nuan and Zhuo Bingbing both reviewed diligently.

The martial arts director asked Wen Nuan to try a spin, emphasizing the need for an ethereal, floating-in-white-robes look. Wen Nuan had gained some dance foundation from her recent training, and her figure was excellent, so her spins were incredibly graceful and charming. The martial arts director gave her a thumbs-up, telling her to spin like that during the actual shot.

Wen Nuan internally groaned. "Boss, spinning in mid-air and spinning on the ground are two different levels of skill!"

Zhuo Bingbing and Chen Hang went first. As they were lifted and spun, one in green robes fluttering, the other in robes as white as snow, the playful scene was a feast for Wen Nuan’s eyes.

This particular scene happened to be a playful interaction between Prince Nalan and Princess Qinglian, and it was shot with great feeling, but the two seemed to get carried away.

The cameras on the high platform kept spinning. Director Zhang, watching from behind the monitor, wasn’t satisfied. He called for two retakes, then couldn’t help but put his hands on his hips and scold, "Are you two addicted to being on wires? Do you want me to keep you hanging up there for a lifetime? Get serious, both of you! If you don’t take this seriously, martial arts instructor, just adjust the angle and drop them for me. See if they don’t break their necks!"

Wen Nuan stuck out her tongue. "How fierce!"

"Oh, Director Zhang, who are you yelling at? I can hear you from miles away!" Lin Ning’s voice cut in. Director Lin kicked open the set door.

To avoid disturbance, Director Zhang had ordered the entertainment reporters to be cleared out and the doors guarded. But as soon as Director Lin arrived, he immediately kicked open the set door. After a flash of magnesium lights, he coolly closed the door again, waving his hand. "Get lost, get lost, get lost! My handsome face isn’t for you to photograph!"

Everyone was speechless!

Director Zhang rubbed his forehead. One was a top-tier film director, the other a famous TV drama director. Their friendship was good, and everyone seemed quite accustomed to Director Lin’s style.

Lin Ning walked in, laughing heartily, "Director Zhang, why are there so many paparazzi outside your set?"

As soon as he said this, he saw Han Bi. His smile vanished, and he couldn’t help but curse under his breath, "Damn it, I didn’t check my horoscope before leaving the house today."